When one thinks of working out, one of the first things that comes to mind is running on a treadmill. This equipment is quite popular in the fitness industry these days, and for a good reason. There are so many treadmill benefits associated with running or simply walking on this machine.
Although most people turn to treadmill workouts for weight loss and muscle tone, exercising regularly with this machine comes with more than these perks. Treadmill workouts also have mental and health benefits. That said, keep reading to discover the major benefits of integrating a treadmill into your workout routine.
Table Of Contents
Benefits Of Treadmill Running & Walking
Treadmill walking and running have been linked to a range of benefits.
1. Weight Loss
Losing weight is one of the most significant advantages of treadmill workouts. Cardio exercise is your best partner in your weight loss journey, and working out on a treadmill can help you effectively if you are trying to get rid of body fat.
For instance, an adult weighing 175 lb. (79 kg) can burn up to 405 calories by running on a treadmill for 30 minutes at a speed of 6 mph (9.6 km/h). However, even though the results might not be as noticeable right away, walking on a treadmill can also help reduce body fat.
An excellent technique to burn calories effectively on a treadmill is to alternate between sprinting and jogging.
2. Heart Health
The treadmill workout also does a lot of good for your heart. People with excessive cholesterol or cardiovascular problems may benefit from walking or running on this machine. Working out on a treadmill is aerobic exercise, and research shows that making it part of a routine can reduce the risk of heart disease. Additionally, aerobic workouts can make your cardiac muscles stronger, thereby lowering blood pressure and improving the heart’s ability to pump blood.
Most doctors advise patients with cardiovascular problems to engage in regular aerobic exercise in order to improve their cardiovascular health.
3. Muscle Strengthening
Cardio exercise is excellent for muscle building, particularly in your thighs, calves and glutes. You can tailor your treadmill exercise to see better results. For example, inclining the treadmill will further stretch the glutes and calf muscles. Your thighs, leg muscles and buttocks will gain a ton of muscle mass as a result of this. Keep in mind that treadmill exercises work a variety of your body’s muscle groups.
4. Mental Health
So far, we’ve highlighted the physical advantages aerobic exercises can give our bodies. But it’s important to understand that using a treadmill also has mental health benefits. Quality exercise, such as running on a treadmill, causes endorphins to be released. The neurological system releases these molecules, which are happy compounds, putting you in a happy mood. At the same time, endorphins cause your stress and anxiety levels to go down.
5. Bone Density
Treadmill workouts are also great for your bones, as they can help increase your bone density. Bone density refers to the amount of minerals present in your bone tissue. Your bones’ mineral content will rise if you exercise frequently. Over time, your bones will become stronger with more minerals, reducing your risk of osteoporosis and other painful conditions.
A treadmill workout can be a safe option for people looking for controlled exercise when returning from injury.
6. Balance Improvement
It has been demonstrated through science that using a treadmill to exercise can also help you become more balanced. Researchers looked at how treadmill exercise affected older people’s ability to maintain their balance. Their findings suggest that elderly individuals’ balance and gait performance can be noticeably improved by alternating between forward and backward walking on the machine.
7. Brain Health
Age 30 is the time when memory recall and thought processing speed begin to slow down. Because of this, learning new things or remembering names may take longer. Exercise has been shown to improve memory and prevent cognitive decline by scientists. Physical activity promotes the growth of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for managing memories and learning-related tasks.
8. Sleep Quality
A good exercise routine can affect your sleep quality in many ways. Melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep more soundly, is released more readily after physical activity. Additionally, treadmill exercises result in energy depletion, allowing the body to heal while you sleep.
You can take advantage of the treadmill desk to work or attend virtual meetings while using the treadmill.
9. Blood Sugar Regulation
Aerobic exercise at least five days per week can help you keep type 2 diabetes under control. When you walk or run on the treadmill, your muscles use the available glucose in your bloodstream to fuel themselves, maintaining a stable blood sugar level. Studies also show that regular exercise can enhance insulin sensitivity in adults with diabetes, with the benefits lasting for up to 72 hours.
10. Easy & Fun To Use
Nobody enjoys using complicated equipment, as it takes too much time to fully comprehend how it works. You will love the treadmill because it is an easy-to-use piece of exercise equipment. When learning how to run on a treadmill, it’s important to take it slow, as these machines go really fast. Check here to learn more about the speed of treadmills.
Disadvantages Of Treadmill Running
There are numerous perks to using a treadmill, but you should note that these machines also have disadvantages. So, let’s look at the drawbacks of using a treadmill.
- They can be pricey. Some models cost more than $2000.
- The treadmill surface could cause too much back strain or tension on the hip, knee and ankle joints due to poor cushioning. For more information, read our article, “Are treadmills bad for your knees?”
- Treadmill dimensions are up to 36 inches wide by 72 inches long, which means they can occupy a large amount of room. The more advanced treadmills are larger and typically do not fold up.
- Similar to other machinery with digital motors and programs, treadmill maintenance often needs to be handled by a specialist.
- Some treadmills feature very noisy motors, which can make working out less fun. Our article about treadmill mats for reducing noise may help you with this problem.
- Treadmills only offer a few types of exercise, so after a while, you may get bored with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Treadmill Good For?
A treadmill is good for weight loss, heart health and mental health. It also supports bone density, balance, muscle strength and blood sugar regulation. On a treadmill, you can virtually always improve your health by running or walking. Working out on a treadmill can also lessen the signs of stress and anxiety. The best part is that you can always tailor your treadmill workouts to meet your goals.
Can You Lose Weight On A Treadmill?
Yes, you can lose weight on a treadmill. Using a treadmill as part of your cardio workout is, in fact, one of the best ways to burn calories. Running or jogging on a treadmill will help you with weight loss and fat burning. It’s also less taxing on your joints and knees than running outside. Check out our article to find the best treadmill for tall runners.
Does A Treadmill Burn Belly Fat?
Yes, a treadmill burns belly fat. There are different exercises that can help you lose weight on a treadmill, ranging from walking to running. You can adjust the incline of the treadmill or include dumbbells in your workout for better results. In addition to reducing abdominal fat, with frequent usage, you’ll achieve the long-term benefit of permanently eradicating visceral fat.
Does A Treadmill Build Muscle?
Yes, a treadmill builds muscle. Your calves muscles will be stretched out more while working your glutes and calves harder on an inclined treadmill. If your treadmill model has a decline option, you can also use it for better results. The more frequently you exercise, the quicker you’ll see improvements.
Are There Any Treadmill Benefits For Buttocks?
Yes, there are treadmill benefits for buttocks. You can include inclination workouts with other buttock exercises, such as squats and uphill lunges, in your exercise regimen. The glutes, which are the muscles in your backside, are targeted when you walk on a treadmill at an angle. Walking on a treadmill without an inclination focuses mostly on your thigh muscles.
Conclusion
Treadmill benefits can be both physical and mental. It’s also crucial to record your activities if you want to measure your progress. While many people think of walking and running as the only exercises you can do on a treadmill, there are various ways to improve different parts of your body with treadmill training. Just be sure to start slow and increase your intensity as you become more comfortable on the machine.
